Proposed 141-lot subdivision moves forward in Fairview

The second and final reading to rezone 111 acres off Cox Pike in Fairview for a proposed 141-lot subdivision will go back before the Fairview Board of Commissioners (BOC) at their first meeting in February.

The rezoning request from RS-40 to R-20 Planned Unit Development is for the proposed Richland Estates subdivision.

As requested by the city commission, the Fairview Municipal Planning Commission reviewed the revised preliminary master development plan Tuesday night.

A majority of the planning board agreed on the BOC’s two suggested changes to the preliminary development plans – adding parking to serve the improved amenities and a second subdivision entrance off Lake Road.

Jamey Reed, with SEC, Inc. the engineering company on the project, confirmed the plans reflect close to 20 acres of open green space that will include walking trails, a tot lot playground, a pavilion and multi-purpose fields.

The planning commission discussed the BOC recommendations for additional parking spaces to allow closer access to the multi-purpose fields and accommodate those gathering at the proposed pavilion.

The revised plan added three parking spaces, a handicapped parking space and a loading zone between proposed tot lot playground and pavilion.

City Commissioner Derek Burks said, “I don’t think three spots are going to be sufficient.”

Planning Commissioner Daniel Jenkins agreed, “Why do we have a pavilion – for people to gather together. You would have more people show up for an event than what three parking spaces would allow for.”

A recommendation was made for at least 10 spaces to accommodate those visiting the fields and pavilion.

Regarding a second entrance into the development, the initial plans showed one main entrance off Cox Pike with an emergency-access-only road connecting over to Lake Road.

The city commission requested the developer revise the plans to include a second option showing a full-access road over to Lake Road for the planning commission to review.

A majority on both boards agreed opening a second entrance to the development off of Lake Road could assist traffic flow, both in the subdivision and on Cox Pike and Lake Road.

Burks advised, “There is a preference to have that second entrance (as full acess).”

The revised plans provided two options for the road connecting over to Lake Road. One as emergency entrance access only, utilizing crash gates and fencing. The second option with a standard 50-foot right of way section dropping to a 30-foot right of way section with two nine-foot lanes and two 6-foot shoulders.

While Planning Commission Chairman Brandon Butler advised there is not enough room to meet city street standards in the 30-foot wide section,

City Manager Scott Collins suggested the staff recommends the full-access road be constructed with 11-foot lanes, curb, gutter and sidewalks “where both lanes are useable at the same time…We want to be safe.”

Jenkins said he believes Lake Road “is far too dangerous to add in access for 141 families” until Lake Road is improved.

Burks countered, “There is a good chance people are going to take it (Lake Road) any way.

We’re going to put more traffic onto Lake Road with this subdivision being there.”

Butler agreed, “I think that’s fair. Most people will probably take a left onto Lake (Road) to go to Highway 96.”

Burks added, “Allowing direct access may limit how much of Lake Road they are going to be using.”

Jenkins responded, “My concern is not increased traffic on Lake Road. The problem is people slowing down to turn into the neighborhood and people getting on to Lake Road leaving the neighborhood…There are far too many blind spots on that road.”

In a 7-2 vote, the planning commission approved the addition of parking spaces by the tot lot and pavilion with number to be determined by developer, and a secondary full-access road with 11-foot lanes over to Lake Road with no gate.

The development will consist of 141 homes with masonry products on all four sides and concrete drives. The smallest lot size proposed is 15,000 square foot with approximately 50 to 60 lots in that range, but the majority of the lots would be 20,000 square foot.

The rezoning will come back before the city commission for final approval Thursday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. in the city hall meeting room.